So you want to make a movie? Where do you start?
Your screenplay is complete and it’s brilliant. Does this mean you’re ready to shoot? Of course not. There are many miles to go before the first cry of “Quiet on set!”. Your instincts tell you that a to do-list will probably come in handy before you break out the gear. Go with that: It’s called pre-production — what you need to get done and have in place before you shoot a single frame.

You are a video producer, right? So why should you concern yourself with how to write a screenplay? Because a time may come when you have to get your ideas from paper to video, and you need to explain to a financial backer, crew and cast how your idea plays out.

Win $80,000 in cash and prizes in the Final Draft Inc. "Big Break" screenwriting contest - but hurry! Deadline in July 31! Are you a video producer who writes your own screenplays? Are you an aspiring screenplay writer who wants to gain recognition? Then Final Draft's "Big Break" contest might be in your stars.

Movies terms define an action, a shot type, a character or a piece of gear, and all of these are meant to help the plot move along, or help the crew know which device to use next, or to help someone like a camera operator prepare for the next shot or scene. One unusual term is "McGuffin". The plot of many movies will maneuver around the McGuffin - so what IS it exactly, and why would video producers want a McGuffin appearing in their movie?

How To videos and training videos are everywhere - from how to install a car engine to how to saddle a horse and how to build a model train. Many people think that since they know how to do something well enough, that they can use video sharing to teach these skills or techniques. Not necessarily.